The Role of Design Artifacts in Product Development
Design Artifacts
In the context of product design, a design artifact refers to a tangible or digital representation of a product design concept, idea, or specification. These artifacts are used throughout the design process to communicate the designer's vision to stakeholders, team members, and developers. Examples of design artifacts include sketches, wireframes, prototypes, and design specs.
We'll explore the different types of design artifacts that product designers can use to communicate more effectively.
Sketches
Sketches are an essential tool for senior product designers. They allow designers to quickly iterate and ideate on different design concepts. Sketches are often created in the early stages of the design process and are used to communicate the designer's vision to the team. Sketches are great for communicating the overall structure and layout of the product.
Wireframes
Wireframes are a visual representation of the product's layout and functionality. They provide a detailed view of how the product will look and function. Wireframes are an excellent tool for communicating the structure and hierarchy of the product's content. They are also great for getting feedback on the placement of different elements on the page.
Prototypes
Prototypes are a functional representation of the product. They allow the designer to test and refine the product's functionality before it is developed. Prototypes are an excellent tool for communicating the product's interaction and user flow. They are also great for getting feedback from users on the product's usability.
Design Specs
Design specs are a detailed description of the product's design. They provide information on the product's layout, typography, colour scheme, and other design elements. Design specs are an excellent tool for communicating the designer's vision to developers. They ensure that the product is developed according to the designer's specifications.
Case Studies
Here are a couple of case studies that demonstrate how design artifacts can be used to communicate more effectively in product design:
Dropbox's User Journey Map - Dropbox created a user journey map to visualize the experience of using their product from the perspective of their users. The map was created to identify pain points and areas for improvement in the user experience. The map was created using customer feedback and data analysis, and it helped Dropbox to better understand their users' needs and prioritize improvements to their product.
Source: https://www.nngroup.com/articles/user-journey-mapping/
Airbnb's Design Language System - Airbnb developed a design language system (DLS) to ensure consistency and cohesion across their product design. The DLS includes guidelines for typography, color, layout, and more, and it provides a shared language and framework for designers across the organization. The DLS has helped Airbnb to improve the quality and consistency of their product design, and it has also helped to streamline the design process.
Source: https://airbnb.design/building-a-visual-language/
Both of these case studies demonstrate how design artifacts can be used to communicate more effectively in product design. The Dropbox user journey map and the Airbnb design language system both provide a shared language and framework for designers, which helps to ensure consistency and coherence across the product.
In conclusion, design artifacts are essential. By using these artifacts, senior product designers can ensure that their vision for the product is understood and realized by everyone involved in the product development process.